A first for the Royal Canadian Mint! This unique coin was inspired by the square-holed coins that came into use in China after 523 B.C. Many believe its round shape symbolized heaven while the square represented earth. These coins were cast from bronze and the holes enabled them to be strung on a cord— 1,000 coins forming the main purchasing unit in use at the time.

As the Chinese began to immigrate to Canada during the late 1800's, they quickly proved their worth as capable, hardworking labourers who demanded very little of their employers. They made a significant contribution to the mining and railway industries and were excellent cooks, gardeners and launderers. However, with a language and culture that differed significantly from the European society that dominated 19th-century Canada, assimilation was difficult.

Ever resourceful, the Chinese created their own communities and overcame their chronic shortage of funds by using the square-holed coins from their homeland as trade tokens.